Study on Invasive Plants in Dongting Lake Wetlands

Based on the field survey during 2007-2011, the species composition, distribution, origin, life forms, invasive habitats, introduction paths, and damage extent of invasive plants in Dongting Lake wetlands were investigated. A total of 43 invasive species, belonging to 34 genera and 19 families, were recorded. Compositae and Amaranthaceae are the most common family, consisting of 7 and 6 species respectively. Harmful species included Populus deltoids, Populus euramevicana, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Daucus carota, Centella asiatica, Eichhornia crassipes, Phytolacca Americana, Phytolacca Americana, Pistia stratiotes. Among the invasive species, 86% were herbs, 62.8% were distributed in flood control bank or roadside and 55.8%were originated from America. These invasive plants were introduced by intentional (48.8％) or unconscious (37.2%) human activities.